KRIS COMMONS could be handed a sensational Scotland recall today – if medics rule Robert Snodgrass out of Friday’s World Cup showdown with Wales.

National boss Craig Levein left the on-fire Celtic attacker out of his original 25-man squad for the Group A double-header in Cardiff and Brussels which could make or break our hopes of reaching Brazil 2014.

Levein then stood by his decision to leave Commons out despite losing Everton striker Steven Naismith to a two-match ban.

But now Leeds wideman Snodgrass has reported to the team base with a damaged ankle and Levein’s right-hand man Peter Houston hinted last night that Commons may be drafted in at some point in the next 24 hours.

Houston said: “Snodgrass has a sore ankle and was on the bench for Norwich on Saturday – so he’s probably a bit touch and go if I’m being honest. But we will monitor him over the next day or so.

“It’s probably fair to say Kris could come in. We were talking last night, in case Robert was to go out, and the manager was speaking highly of Kris, saying that he was doing well. If Snoddy didn’t make it then Kris would be a possibility.

“I don’t 100 per cent know but I would guess that Kris would be up there if we bring someone else in.”

Commons has been frozen out of Levein’s plans for more than a year after booking up for an end-of-season holiday to Las Vegas rather than report for duty at the Carling Nations Cup in Dublin in May 2011.

And even Wales midfielder Joe Ledley – a team-mate of Commons at Parkhead – has spoken of his bewilderment over the decision to leave him out of Scotland’s squad for the next two games.

But now Commons could be on the brink of a return as doctors continue to monitor the Snodgrass injury.

Blackburn defender Grant Hanley was ruled out of the squad last night with a groin injury and now all eyes are on Snodgrass.

Houston added: “We normally rely on the doctors and physios to set a deadline. We’ve spoken to Norwich and they didn’t seem too perturbed about the injury – but you have to go by the boy himself.

“He knows his body, it’s his ankle. He’ll know whether or not it’s too sore. He only arrived late last night and is working with the physios and doctors.

“But, if he’s still the same tomorrow, I think a decision has to be made – at least with regard to Friday’s game. I don’t know the extent of it if we’re talking about next week’s match but the boy is saying that it’s sore.

“We haven’t contacted Kris or anybody else. But if the manager brings somebody in then Kris – whose form has been so good – would probably be the next in line.”

Another Parkhead stalwart, skipper Scott Brown, is ready to play through the pain of a degenerative hip condition for the good of the country.

And he has told Levein he is willing to compete in both games despite warnings he might be better to sit at least one of them out.

Houston said: “It’s brilliant to see him here and he’s saying he can play in the two games. But that’s Broony.

“If he’s selected for Friday he will know how sore he is. But we’ll be very careful. If he has not played two games in three or four days for Celtic, it would be a big ask to do it for us.

“He is so keen and enthusiastic but we have to monitor him and see what his recovery is like. We have to make sure he’s 100 per cent spot on before the manager could even think about selecting him for two games.

“Neil Lennon has already said he thinks he’ll be OK for one game and we’ll respect that.”

Wales star Ledley, meanwhile, admits he has been baffled and delighted by Levein’s reluctance to call up Commons.

He said: “From a selfish point of view I’ll be very happy if Kris is not going to be involved because he’s a very good player. As a friend, I am devastated for him because he has been superb all season.

“The way he is, it won’t hurt him and I’m sure if he keeps playing the way he is it won’t be long before he’s back in the squad.

“If you give Kris the ball he will hurt you, he’s a player who can score from almost anywhere. He works his socks off for the team and I was a little surprised he wasn’t named in the squad.

“His league form has been fantastic and I’m not sure why he’s not there. But it’s good news for us.”

Ledley, though, admits the Welsh are cursing their luck that Levein has ended his 20-month stand-off with £14million Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher.

He said: “It is a blow for us as Fletcher is a fantastic player and has proven it this season.”